Transformations in Meaning: Solomon’s Accession in Chronicles

Abstract

This paper is in part a response to John Van Seters’ “Creative imitation in the Hebrew Bible” (SR 29 [2000]: 395-409). In this paper, I discuss the development of a model of intertextuality sensitive to the context of the texts. Then I turn to a discussion of the accession of Solomon in 1 Chron. 28-2 Chron. 1; I show that Solomon’s accession is a transformation of the selection of Saul in 1 Sam. 9-11. I conclude that Chronicles goes beyond “plagiarism” in its relationship with Samuel-Kings, and that the Chronicler was a sophisticated literary artist working in a literate tradition.